Your loved ones could benefit from a wheelchair ramp, a quality preschool education, and important services on Washington Island thanks to members of the 100+ Women Who Care of Door County. Last month, the organization donated over $22,000 to three different non-profits. Door County Habitat for Humanity received over $11,000 for establishing its Rent-A-Ramp program that it will be orchestrating with the help of the Door County Aging Coalition to assist local residents to have more accessibility going in and coming out of their homes. Peninsula Preschool and the Washington Island Community Health Program received smaller grants to help fund their programming needs. Paula Latta from 100+ Women Who Care says she is proud of the impact has made in such a short time with over $240,000 donated since 2018.
The grants awarded by 100+ Women Who Care are given out on a quarterly basis to non-profit organizations nominated by their members. 115 Club LTD, Write On Door County, and the Sue Baldwin Fund are the non-profits to be considered for their next round of grants at their upcoming meeting on January 24th. You can read more about the recipients below.
Picture and descriptions provided by Paula Latta
Door County Habitat for Humanity will receive the Main Award of $11,250 for a new 'Rent A Ramp' program to keep people in need with mobility issues in their homes. Lori Allen, Executive Director, DC Habitat for Humanity affirmed: “Door County Habitat will purchase two portable accessibility ramps that can be used to assist individuals to Age in Place, allowing them to remain in their own homes. We will partner with the Door County Aging Coalition to promote the Ramp Up Door County Initiative.” DeAnn Umland, 100+WWC member and DC Habitat Board President, added “Being a part of 100+ Women allows me to connect with many like-minded people in the Door County non profit community. This diverse group is focused on education while making a difference that we can all feel."
Peninsula Preschool and Washington Island Community Health Program (WICHP) will each receive a Runners-Up Award of approximately $5,125 from the 100+WWC giving circle. Sarah Bonovich, 100+WWC member and Peninsula PreSchool Volunteer shared - “I joined 100+ WWC because I feel this is a small way for me to make a big impact on our county. I know it’s difficult for many non-profits and these funds help hugely. For such a small county, we have an abundance of non-profit organizations and so many people willing to contribute in ways large and small. Around here I like to say, `It takes a County.’ ” Jill Harkaway, Peninsula PreSchool, agreed - “PPS is run by a volunteer, parent nonprofit board. It has been a privilege to work with the young families who are the backbone of the community. Their contributions are so important to the vibrancy and economy of the county. We are pleased to provide an educational foundation that prepares the children to be future outstanding citizens of Door County. The gift from 100+ Women who care will help us significantly by supporting our scholarship fund. We are very thankful and appreciative.”
Liz Hecht, 100+WWC member and WICHP volunteer, was enthusiastic about their award. “I love meeting 100+WWC members and giving back to the community with such a great organization. Christine M. Andersen, R.N. and Executive Director for WICHP added, “My passion about WICHP began when I worked with them to help my own parents remain in their home for 2 years more than they could have had they not had the support of WICHP services and so many Door County nonprofits: (Meals on Wheels (via ADRC), LifeAssist (via Door County Medical Center), In home supportive care (via Curative Connections), Medical equipment (via Neighbor to Neighbor) and Advocacy (director assisted with visiting long term care facilities). Working with WICHP is very rewarding as I see the benefits daily of the services community partners provide to grateful Island residents.
